RE: Bear hunt over bait for about $1500?
Take a look at Newfoundland. They have some large bears there and you can either hunt in spring over bait or spot and stalk in the fall. I think you will find something in your price range. A friend got back the end of Sept from a caribou hunt. He took a bear in the 425 to 500 pound range. Should make the books.
Good luck . . . Rob